Palpara
Terracotta Kali Mandir
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/zGj4vSgirBo
Location: “Palpara Terracotta
Temple, 3G58+9QW, Rajbagan, more, Palpara, Chakdaha, West Bengal 741248”
References:
https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/04/kali-temple-palpara-west-bengal.html
https://amlanthetramp.com/2024/04/17/palpara/
Palpara is a neighbourhood in Chakdaha,
in Kalyani subdivision of
the Nadia district in Bengal. The Palpara railway station is
59 km from Sealdah railway station, and 51.4 km from Krishnanagar railway station.
Palpara is famous for its 17th-century terracotta Kali
temple, also popularly known as "Palpara Temple", which is now under
the supervision of ASI.The temple is locally known as “Moth Mandir” or Kali
Mandir and is situated on the banks of Hooghly.
A gem of a
terracota temple from Bengal. The temple at Palpara, Chakdaha, Nadia, is
believed to be made by Gandharba Roy in 17th century AD. This is a brick built
char chala temple with the frontal facade having beautiful terracota floral and
geometric motifs. Scenes of Rama fighting Ravana are also depicted in terracota
panels above the door frame.
This brick-built south facing
charchala temple stands on a raised plinth. The brick temple is approximately
26 feet 8 inches in height. The frontal facade of the temple is richly
decorated. The multi-cusped arched entrance is flanked by two door pillars and
an ornamental spandrel above it depicting the fighting of Rama & Ravana and
worshippers in the temples in terracotta. The doorframe has been decorated with
floral & geometric designs along with dragon motif, there are lotus
medallions, of varying sizes at different places of the frontal facade adding
beauty to the temple. However, most of the terracotta panels have been
lost.
There is a six-row geometric
design on the left side of the temple. The temple has rich geometric designs
and possibly a rare example of “Terracotta”-temples in any district.Especially,
the panel depicting the battle of Rama and Ravana is a rare piece of work.
The foundation stone of the
temple is missing. It is believed to have been built by the landlord Gandharba
Roy in the 17th century, although the plaque containing information such as the
name of the founder and the year of foundation has long been lost.
How to reach:
1. By Train: Palpara can be reached by local trains from Sealdah. Ranaghat,
Santipur, Krishnanagar and Gede local trains pass through Palpara. The temple stands a walking distance from the station.
2. By Bus:
Chakdaha Bus stand is around 3 KMs from the temple. E-rickshaws are easily
available.
3. By Air:
Kolkata airport is around 56 KMs from Chakdah